Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.

Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.

Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Childhood Routine Vaccine Schedule

The following is the routine childhood vaccine or immunization schedule. There is also a catch-up schedule for children who are behind on vaccines, and a different schedule and some other vaccines t for children considered high-risk for infection. Your child's healthcare provider or nurse can give you information about the routine and other schedules.

Vaccine

Disease prevented

Number of vaccines and age for giving them

Hepatitis (HepB)

Hepatitis B. This is an infection that can cause chronic, severe liver disease.

1st: Birth

2nd: 1 to 2 months

3rd: 6 to 18 months

Rotavirus (RV)

Rotavirus infection. This causes severe diarrhea in infants and children up to 2 years old.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP)

Diphtheria. This is a disease that causes inflammation of the throat and airways, which can block breathing.

Tetanus (lockjaw). This is a disease that causes severe, painful spasms of neck, jaw, and other muscles. It can cause death.

Pertussis (whooping cough). This is a disease that causes prolonged loud coughing and gasping. It can interfere with breathing and can cause death.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months

4th: 15 to 18 months

5th: 4 to 6 years

Note: Your child also needs an extra dose (called the Tdap) at 11 to 12 years old. Your child should then get the Tdap or Td booster every 10 years throughout life.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). This is a severe bacterial infection that causes lung infection (pneumonia), inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and other serious infections.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 months (this dose depends on the vaccine used)

4th: 12 to 15 months

Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)

Polio. This is an infection that can paralyze the muscles.

1st: 2 months

2nd: 4 months

3rd: 6 to 18 months

4th: 4 to 6 years

Note: Infants, children, and adults traveling to countries where polio is still active, and staying for more than 4 weeks, should get age-appropriate polio vaccines or a polio booster within 12 months before travel.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

Measles. This is a disease that cause ear infections and pneumonia.

Mumps. This is a disease that affects the glands in the neck. It may affect the testes.

Rubella (German measles). This is a disease that can cause birth defects in women exposed while pregnant.

1st: 12 to 15 months

2nd: 4 to 6 years

Varicella

Chickenpox. This is a disease that causes itchy rash, with fever and fatigue. It can lead to scarring, pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and other serious infections.

1st: 12 to 15 months

2nd: 4 to 6 years

Meningococcal

Bacterial meningitis. This is inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It can result in death. Two types of vaccines are available: